District Inspectors of Schools chose their own districts and the choices were made on the basis of seniority. Their own Institute of Inspectors claimed this privilege, as, on appointment each was obliged to start another trek around the large Queensland paddock, with their family members, much older now, and with more diverse needs than when the trip around the big circuit as a School Principal was undertaken. School Inspectors were limited to a set period of three years in a district and they were then obliged to move on.The districts were arranged so that the inspectorial load was reasonably equitable. Sometimes adjustments were needed, and, following a periodic review, the Director was responsible for letting each know the names of the schools that were in each person’s district. There were hiccups and Ray Kelley describes what can happen as a consequence. Inspectors Joe Bennett and Ray Town had adjoining districts near Mackay, circa 1969, when such a hiccup occurred.
D.I.ALOGUE
[Tune: "Mr.Gallagher and Mr.Sheen"]
Oh Mr. Bennett, oh Mr. Bennett,
I am going up the country all this week:
I’m inspecting Dingo Dale,
Peewee Flat and Gumnut Vale,
And I also hope to visit Sandfly Creek.
Oh Mr. Town, Oh Mr. Town,
I must ask you to forgive me if I frown;
I am going out there too -
To the self-same schools as you.
But they’re my schools, Mr. Bennett!
No, they’re MY schools, Mr. Town.
Oh Mr. Bennett, oh Mr Bennett,
In a classroom where I paid a lightning call
Was a quite familiar face
That I somehow couldn’t place,
But I didn’t like his teaching style at all.
Oh Mr. Town, Oh Mr. Town,
I suppose you chose to mark the fellow down?
No, I changed my mind, because
I discovered who he was …..
Tell me who, sir, Mr. T.
It was you, sir, Mr.B !
